Of the 15 National Parks in Britain today, only a few include the coast and none include the sea. Over the past few decades, scientists have understood much more about the value of the ocean and the importance of the marine environment to the health of the planet. Britain has designated fragile places with an array of acronyms designed to protect them, while striking a balance with the many users of the sea for business and enjoyment. This report by Blue Marine sets out a vision for Marine Parks to evolve where there are clusters of marine designated sites and a need to link them with human culture across those areas. They believe that Marine Parks have the potential to help us improve co-ordinated management and improve opportunities for people and marine life. They could make more of the connections between our lives on land and the value of our coasts and the sea. Marine Parks would bring together our maritime heritage with our newer appreciation of marine wildlife and the need for its conservation. Marine Parks would enable us to find new ways to celebrate our relationship with the sea.
The report identifies 10 areas around the coast which could be designated national parks within the next 10 years. Designation could bring greater protection for habitats, help attract funding, and would require local authorities to make access easier for people.
No Comment